2003 CLK55 review from an M3 owner

[UltimateSpizort]

I just bought an '03 CLK55. Wow, I knew this car would be a bit faster than my '04 M3 convert, and it is! But it is also more fun to drive, sounds MUCH better, and drives smoother. I guess now that I am 40 I am kinda tired of the jarring race car ride of the M3. AMG seems to have a perfect balance of ride and control...it sokes up everything. And as much as I loved the beemer, I always made fun of its engine sound by Singer. My buddy took the 55 out the other day and were giggling like school kids because of the sound and power. So, a couple questions...and I'm a "search retard" cuz I never find what I want. Two things. How do I completely turn off traction control? And what is the best performance mod? I would suppose a tune....but which one? Thanks and does anyone wanna buy a used M3?

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[Clk&Slk]

Originally Posted by UltimateSpizort

I just bought an '03 CLK55. Wow, I knew this car would be a bit faster than my '04 M3 convert, and it is! But it is also more fun to drive, sounds MUCH better, and drives smoother. I guess now that I am 40 I am kinda tired of the jarring race car ride of the M3. AMG seems to have a perfect balance of ride and control...it sokes up everything. And as much as I loved the beemer, I always made fun of its engine sound by Singer. My buddy took the 55 out the other day and were giggling like school kids because of the sound and power. So, a couple questions...and I'm a "search retard" cuz I never find what I want. Two things. How do I completely turn off traction control? And what is the best performance mod? I would suppose a tune....but which one?
Thanks and does anyone wanna buy a used M3?

An M3 Cabriolet performances is no where near the M3 coupe !! Wrong comparision.

[ashutt]

Welcome and I believe you have made an excellent choice as well. To answer some of your questions, there is no way to fully turn of the ESP. You can use the button to disable it but if things really go bad it will still kick-in.

I have taken mine to the track and can tell you that ESP doesn't kick-in very much in those conditions, so you shouldn't really notice it in spirited driving. Turn ESP off for off-the-line digs and practice power-braking for launching the car. 1500 RPM or less will work fine for a good launch.

At the track my instructor had an M3 coupe. We drove both cars. I am glad I have the CLK55 AMG. The feel was very different. I kept waiting for his car to pull but it felt pretty flat until the car reached high revs but by that time we were hitting a corner again and back down to a lack of power at low revs. On the other hand, I loved the CLK in and out of corners because of the power- and the straights.....very big smile!

Here is a list of common modifications:[list=1]

• Green Filters (Like K&N but better in MHO)- $110 or less
• SS Brake Lines and High Temp Brake Fluid- $150 or less
• Performance Brake Pads- $150 t0 $300
• Radar (Escort, Valentine or Bel)- $400 to $500
• ECU Reprogram- $350 to $1,200
• H&R Springs- $450-$500
• 19" Rims- $1,000 to $5,000
• Big Brake system (i.e Brembo)- $4,000 or more new for front
• Tires (Michilen PS2 or Eagle F1 DS-D3) $900 to $1,400
• Cams, Headers, etc.
• Forced Air Induction Systems- $10,000 or more

*No need for exhaust as already 3"

[cldriver]

I would also suggest Kleemann LSD, with it ESP activates even less frequently.

[SemiSilentBob]

Ultimate,
From another BMW convert ('99 E46 328I), great choice!! I was blown away by the performance of my "new" 2003 CLK55 AMG. The sound, acceleration, and feel of the CLK is unbelievable! Coming from another person over 40 it was a great upgrade to better performance, ride, acceleration, and handling over my E46, I'll never go back!!

The first mods I'll be doing are the wheels (19" is what I'd like), K&N filters and the ECU, then moving on to the suspension.

Welcome to the club!!

Bob

[Clk&Slk]

Originally Posted by SemiSilentBob

Ultimate,
From another BMW convert ('99 E46 328I), great choice!! I was blown away by the performance of my "new" 2003 CLK55 AMG.
Bob

No kidding.......... !! You swiched to a car that got about 150 hp and 200 ft.-torque more.

[Holson]

Originally Posted by UltimateSpizort

I just bought an '03 CLK55. Wow, I knew this car would be a bit faster than my '04 M3 convert, and it is! But it is also more fun to drive, sounds MUCH better, and drives smoother. I guess now that I am 40 I am kinda tired of the jarring race car ride of the M3. AMG seems to have a perfect balance of ride and control...it sokes up everything. And as much as I loved the beemer, I always made fun of its engine sound by Singer. My buddy took the 55 out the other day and were giggling like school kids because of the sound and power. So, a couple questions...and I'm a "search retard" cuz I never find what I want. Two things. How do I completely turn off traction control? And what is the best performance mod? I would suppose a tune....but which one?
Thanks and does anyone wanna buy a used M3?

On a different note, I'm thinking of switching into a BMW..

One of these suckers:
1) The new 335i coupe
2) A used '04 645ci
3) A used '04/05 M3 Coupe

There's something silly about the AMG's exhaust note that I love and is totally missing from the BMWs (including the 645ci)

[UltimateSpizort]

Holson, I would chose the 335i...with a simple ECU chip you can get a 40+ hp and tq boost and smoke the others on the list, even more power with exhaust and CAI. I still love BMWs, but this AMG has me sprung!
Thanks for all the feedback guys!

[derrick_lui]

Get 645 man..
forget the hype about 335 plus chip, tired of hearing all that "oh but a 335 with chip will xxx you"!

are you reading forums at work? Im reporting you!

[s4avt]

second with 335, I think it is more like a hype.

I used to have b5 s4 w/ stg3.. and it is very quick and fun

but you can't expect reliablity with twin turbo car.

[Stiggs]

Originally Posted by UltimateSpizort

How do I completely turn off traction control?

Congrats on the CLK55.

No way to turn ESP completely off unless you put your car in Dyno mode. Do a forum search with key words "dyno mode". I believe that turns ESP completely off. Just be very careful with it off. I personally have never tried it. Too afraid.

[Clk&Slk]

Originally Posted by Stiggs

Congrats on the CLK55.

No way to turn ESP completely off unless you put your car in Dyno mode. Do a forum search with key words "dyno mode". I believe that turns ESP completely off. Just be very careful with it off. I personally have never tried it. Too afraid.

That would also turn off your ABS..etc. Very smart on your recommendation !!!

[Improviz]

Originally Posted by derrick_lui

Get 645 man..
forget the hype about 335 plus chip, tired of hearing all that "oh but a 335 with chip will xxx you"!

are you reading forums at work? Im reporting you!

No hype. Edmunds tested one and ran a 13.0 @ 109, with measured rwhp going from 265 stock to 340 w/the Vishnu.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=119485

Here's their measured dyno plot, stock vs. Vishnu chipped:


Chips don't add much (if any) hp to normally aspirated cars, but with turbos, where they can actually add boost, it's a whole 'nuther story. The B5 Audi S4s were easily modded from a 14.1 @ 99 to a mid 13 car with just a Stage I chip.